It always amazes me when such a short book deeply affects my way of thinking. This was a fantastic read.

What made Antenora so impactful was the intimate connection to Lumpkin’s personal life. Every word was delicately chosen to pack a punch. The imagery was spectacular. The research was thorough. I can’t say enough good things about this book.

Antenora exposed some very dark secrets about the town in which it was set. The disgusting nature of the community’s leadership is all too familiar these days. Lumpkin calls for a strong and resilient community and stresses the importance of standing together rather than demonizing those who demand change.

Overall, Antenora was excellent. I will definitely be re-reading this in the future.

WARNING: FEELINGS! This book impacted me so deeply because I am Jean. I didn’t have an affair with a professor, but I was taken advantage of by a friend. It directly lead to a mental health crisis that got me kicked out of school and ended my scholarship for an intensive classics program that produced the best of the best.

Langbein penned this eloquent, humorous, and poignant novel that is not only my story, but also the story of so many others. The final argument in Dear Monica Lewinsky is that solidarity brings both power and comfort. We must not silence ourselves or our comrades as they fight for justice. This is how we can make a difference.

Jean, the main character, is incredibly compelling. She did not want to shirk responsibility for her own missteps. However, Saint Monica, a representation of the women who paved the way before us, gives a different perspective. Saint Monica shows the necessary balance of personal responsibility and holding others accountable.

I’m thankful that I live during a time where I can read Dear Monica Lewinsky. It deeply impacted, healed, revitalized, and encouraged me.

Historically, I am a hater of short story collections. I’ve often felt they are amalgamations of chaos. This, however, was a masterpiece. Mine changed me from someone who groans at a prospective bookstore purchase, despite the interesting cover, when they find out they hold a short story collections in their hands. Now, I will remember my love for Mine and not turn away with disdain.

The most beautiful short story I’ve ever read was The Luthier’s Muse by Julie Sevens, from Mine. How an author could create such beauty and such pain within just a few pages is mind blowing. This one was close to my heart because of my love for the violin. The lust for revenge made this piece incomparable.

I was also moved by The Graveyard by Ravven White, from this anthology. This poem was the perfect conclusion to the collection as it summarized the desperation for bodily autonomy throughout the book. The bravery that The Graveyard displayed was nothing short of admirable.

I believe that this anthology touched me so deeply because its cohesive theme spoke directly to my own scars. Radical literature like Mine is vital, more so now than ever before.